Both Iowa and the federal government have passed laws that prohibiting discrimination on the basis of particular protected characteristics. Employers in the city of Atlantic, whether public or private, may be held liable under federal and state laws depending on the type of trait first prompted the discrimination.

How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?

An employer will be found guilty of employment discrimination if they treat an employee unfairly because they belong to a class that is legally protected. Employers are prohibited from using particular traits to evaluate you such as national origin, religion, race, age, familial status, or gender. To prove employment discrimination in Atlantic, Iowa, the plaintiff needs to be able to show that the employer's intent to treat them unfairly was motivated by their protected status.

How can Employment Discrimination be Proven in Iowa?

This may be demonstrated if the employer has treated others of the same status similarly, or when people testify to certain statements made by the employer that would indicate bias when heard by a reasonable person. Further, an employer violates the law if they terminate a person's employment or otherwise retaliate in response to a discrimination lawsuit filed against them.

Pursuing an employment discrimination claim can often be complicated, because they involve filing your claim with particular agencies. An Atlantic, Iowa lawyer can help you file in a timely manner, and while your case is pending, they can assist you in pursuing any available remedies.